Lamb Takes Top Planning Role at JWT Worldwide

J. Walter Thompson has elevated 15-year veteran and global account director David Lamb to the role of worldwide director of planning.

Lamb, 40, who takes on his new role in late August, will assume duties previously held by London-based David Baker, 54, worldwide director of Thompson Total Branding, who is retiring.

Since 1996, Lamb has steered the $300 million Diamond Trading Co. (formerly DeBeers) account, as a global business director in London. In his new role, he will be based in New York and report to worldwide CEO Peter Schweitzer.

"David's immense strategic abilities will sharpen our intellectual edge and extend our leadership in providing clients with fresh ideas and perspectives," Schweitzer said. "He brings a real passion for the work and an innovative approach to creative problem solving."

As planning chief, Lamb will oversee some 225 planners worldwide, including about 50 in the U.S. Initially, he plans to audit the department's capabilities and determine which global cli ents need additional planning resources. As for his management style, Lamb said: "I'm very energetic, lively, very strong-minded," adding, "I don't like combat, but I like internal debate."

North American president Bob Jeffrey confirmed Lamb's tenacity and added: "He's got a big brain. He's very creative and he's not shy."

J. Walter Thompson has elevated 15-year veteran and global account director David Lamb to the role of worldwide director of planning.

Lamb, 40, who takes on his new role in late August, will assume duties previously held by London-based David Baker, 54, worldwide director of Thompson Total Branding, who is retiring.

Since 1996, Lamb has steered the $300 million Diamond Trading Co. (formerly DeBeers) account, as a global business director in London. In his new role, he will be based in New York and report to worldwide CEO Peter Schweitzer.

"David's immense strategic abilities will sharpen our intellectual edge and extend our leadership in providing clients with fresh ideas and perspectives," Schweitzer said. "He brings a real passion for the work and an innovative approach to creative problem solving."

As planning chief, Lamb will oversee some 225 planners worldwide, including about 50 in the U.S. Initially, he plans to audit the department's capabilities and determine which global cli ents need additional planning resources. As for his management style, Lamb said: "I'm very energetic, lively, very strong-minded," adding, "I don't like combat, but I like internal debate."

North American president Bob Jeffrey confirmed Lamb's tenacity and added: "He's got a big brain. He's very creative and he's not shy."